‘Let’s make Illinois great again’

Published: Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012 1:15 a.m. CST

By Rich Morthland Cordova

I live about 3 miles outside of Whiteside County on my family farm, along with my wife of 33 years, Betsey. My ancestors have worked this same plot of earth since 1842. We are people of the land and of this community.

We are regularly involved in Sauk Valley life. Our family has always done business in Whiteside County with your tractor dealerships, feed mills and farm stores. To us, folks in Whiteside County just seem to make sense.

I have been a state representative for one term. It has been an amazing honor to represent the 71st District. I have moved significant legislation and served with integrity. Please investigate my record at www.ilga.gov.

The endorsements that we have earned tell a strong story about the communities that support our campaign. I am fighting for Illinois jobs and am proud to have garnered the endorsements of both the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

I am an adjunct college professor and my wife is the dean of health sciences at Black Hawk College. We believe in education and have proudly accepted the endorsements of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the IFT Local 1836, and Stand for Children.

Farm Bureau is supporting our campaign through paid advertising because I am a proud advocate of Illinois’ biggest industry. We have the support of pro-life and pro-family groups while we also enjoy tacit support of many friends outside of those communities who know that Betsey and I are people of compassion and fairness.

Also, my first term has earned the coveted, yet rarely conferred, A+ rating from the NRA. This shows that I have been not only a supporter of, but also an advocate for, the full and proper application of our constitutional rights.

There are others, but those are the brightest lights. Those endorsements highlight a record that reflects the values and needs of this district. Such groups frequently find themselves at odds, but they are united in support of our re-election. This is a sign that we bring people together.

I am also happy to say that, at a time when politicians are firing disingenuous attack ads at each other, we have done none of that. Our public advertisements have been positive and hopeful. We are proud of that. Furthermore, I tell the truth. Distortions and untruths float through the air and into mailboxes, but we remain honest. At the end of the day, I have to answer to my maker for my words and actions.

I don’t have to tell you that Illinois is in trouble. We live under the burden of Chicago domination and corruption. I fight against that every day. In my brief political career, I have been an advocate for good policy, bipartisanship and the truth.

I am state Rep. Rich Morthland. I humbly ask for your vote. Let’s bring out the best for our state; let’s reject one-party, Chicago-style government; and let’s make Illinois great again.